Colombian Liberal Party

The Colombian Liberal Party is a social democratic political party in Colombia, founded in 1848. The party rivaled the Colombian Conservative Party for power over the years, and the party dominated Colombian politics from 1974 to 2002, winning five of the seven presidential elections and holding a majority in the senate. In 1998, the party lost seats in the parliamentary election after allegations were made that President Ernesto Samper had been elected with the support of the Cali Cartel and that senior government officials had corrupt dealings. In 2005, Cesar Gaviria, a former president, became the party's leader, and the party joined Juan Manuel Santos' Social Party of National Unity cabinet in 2010.